Easy Release Glove

ABSTRACT

A glove that is operable to protect a user&#39;s hand from harsh materials wherein the glove is configured to promote the easy removal thereof. The glove includes a body having an integrally formed palm portion and plurality of digit members wherein the palm portion and plurality of digit members are operable to receive a palm and fingers therein. A cuff section is formed with the palm portion opposite the plurality of digit members. Integrally formed with the cuff section is a release member. The release member is v-shaped and is manufactured from a material that has a greater elasticity than the body of the glove. A gripping member is further mounted to the cuff section opposite the release member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to protective devices, morespecifically but nit by way of limitation, a protective form-fittingglove that includes a release member integrally formed into the cuffsection so as to promote the easy removal thereof.

BACKGROUND

While performing various tasks whether at home or in a workingenvironment, it is common to don a variety of safety gear. Items such assafety glasses are often worn to protect a user's eyes and apron's andthe like are used to protect various parts of the human body duringtasks that pose at least some risk to the user.

A common safety item that is routinely worn are gloves. Gloves aremanufactured in numerous amounts of styles and are further manufacturedfrom various materials. The style and material are typically directedtowards the environment in which the glove will be used. By way ofexample but not limitation, leather gloves having a wide cuff member areoften used by welders and other mechanics wherein the tasks beingperformed requires that the cuff member of the glove extend over thesleeve of the shirt of the user and that the glove be resistant to heat.

Another common glove that is used are rubber and/or nitrile gloves thatare used during the handling of chemical materials such as but notlimited to solvents. These gloves are made from form-fitting materialssuch as plastics and/or rubber and serve to protect the user's handsfrom chemical burns as well as general dirt, grease or numerous othermaterials. One problem with form-fitting gloves is the ability for auser to easily remove them from their hands subsequent use thereof. Asconventional form fitting gloves, especially those with longer cuffmembers have limited elasticity, it is difficult for a user the stretchthe material sufficiently enough to facilitate a smooth and easy removalof the glove.

Accordingly, there is a need for a form-fitting glove that includes arelease member integrally formed into the cuff section of the glove soas to facilitate the easy removal of the form-fitting glove from thehand of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a form-fittingglove that includes a body having a first portion operable to receive ahand and fingers therein and a second portion that forms a cuff sectionextending up the forearm of a user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a form-fittingglove that includes a plurality of finger members being substantiallyhollow that are operable to receive therein the fingers and thumb of auser.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a form-fittingglove that includes a release member wherein the release member isintegrally formed into the cuff section of the form-fitting glove.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide aform-fitting glove wherein the release member is adjacent the insidewrist area of a user.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide aform-fitting glove wherein the release member is generally v-shaped.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide aform-fitting glove that includes a gripping member that is integrallysecured to the cuff section opposite the release member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a form-fittingglove that is inexpensive and disposable.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the presentinvention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings areillustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of thepresent invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had byreference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein variouselements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and whereinthrough the views and figures like elements are referenced withidentical reference numerals, there is illustrated a glove 100constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein withreference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the detailed description herein with respect tothese figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplatedwithin the scope of the present invention that alternative embodimentsare plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, thosehaving skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the presentinvention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitableapproaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application toimplement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyondthat of the particular implementation choices in the embodimentdescribed herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within thescope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limitedto the particular methodology, materials, uses and applicationsdescribed herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit thescope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein andin the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the pluralreference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or moreelements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in theart. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusivesense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having thedefinition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusiveor” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structuresdescribed herein are to be understood also to refer to functionalequivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed toexpress approximation should be so understood unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplaryembodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of theinvention so described may include a particular feature, structure orcharacteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes theparticular feature, structure or characteristic.

Referring in particular to FIG. 1 the glove 100 includes a body 10having an outer wall 15 that is formed so as to create a cavity operableto receive a human hand therein. The body 10 includes a palm portion 20that is operable to be adjacent the palm of the user subsequent theglove 100 being donned thereby. The palm portion 20 is manufactured froma suitable durable material such as but not limited to rubber.Integrally formed with the palm portion 20 are the digit members 30. Thedigit members 30 are integrally formed with the palm portion 20utilizing suitable manufacturing techniques. Each digit member 30 areincludes a cavity (not illustrated herein) that functions to receive ahuman digit therein. As is known in the art, the digit members 30 aremanufactured in different lengths so as to accommodate the naturaldifferent lengths of the fingers of a human hand. The digit members 30includes an outer surface 35 that is manufactured of additional layersof material so as to provide more protection for the fingers disposedwithin the digit members. The outer surface 35 of each digit member 30is further sectioned so as to promote the manipulation of each fingerdisposed within the digit members 30. The digit sections 40 are thickerin construction and have intermediate thereto a seam 45 that is ofsimilar thickness to the palm portion 20 which is thinner than thedigits sections. The thinner construction of the seams 45 promotesimproved flexibility and manipulation of the digit members 30 during useof the glove 100. While not illustrated herein, it is contemplatedwithin the scope of the present invention that the palm portion 20 couldhave additional layers of protection and/or be constructed of a thickermaterial in the area adjacent the palm of a user so as to promoteadditional protection of the palm of a user.

The cuff section 50 is integrally formed with the palm portion 20utilizing suitable durable techniques. The cuff section 50 is operableto extend at least partially along the wrist/forearm of a user of theglove 100. The cuff section 50 is manufactured from a suitable durablematerial such as but not limited to rubber and is operable to beform-fitting against the user's wrist/forearm area. The glove 100 isdesigned to be form-fitting so as to substantially inhibit materials andor solutions to propagate into the cavity thereof during use.

The cuff section 50 includes release member 60. Release member 60 isintegrally formed with cuff section 50 utilizing suitable durabletechniques. The release member 60 is manufactured from a material thatpossesses a greater elasticity than the material of the glove 100. Whileno specific material is required, good results have been achievedutilizing a material such as but not limited to nylon to construct therelease member 60. The release member 60 functions to facilitate theimproved removal of the glove 100. The release member 60 is generallyv-shaped wherein the widest portion thereof is adjacent edge 62 and thewidth of the release member 60 tapers to point 63 adjacent to the palmportion 20. The shape of the release member 60 plays a critical role inpromoting the functionality thereof. As the glove 100 is form-fittingwherein the construction and materials of the glove 100 promote aconsistent bias against the hand/wrist of a user, the greater elasticityof the release member 60 facilitates the removal of the glove 100. Thegreater width of the release member 60 is proximate edge 62 so as topromote increase stretching thereof during the initial phase of removingthe glove 100. As the user begins to pull the glove 100 off of theirhand wherein the edge 62 is directed towards the digit members 30, theamount of stretching required to facilitate removal is diminished and assuch the release member 60 is constructed in a v-shape. While in thepreferred embodiment as described herein the release member 60 isgenerally v-shaped, it is further contemplated within the scope of thepresent invention that the release member 60 could be formed in variousshapes so as to perform the functionality as described herein.

Integrally formed with the cuff section 50 opposite the release member60 is gripping member 70. The gripping member 70 is manufactured from aninelastic hard material and is integrally formed with the cuff section50 utilizing suitable durable techniques. The gripping member 70functions to provide an area offering improved grip and stability so asto provide an element to grasp the glove 100 in order to begin theremoval process. The gripping member 70 is generally square in shape andis manufactured of a suitable size so as to be easily grasped by a humanhand. While the gripping member 70 is shown as being square in shapeherein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present inventionthat the gripping member 70 could be manufactured in numerous differentshapes.

Referring to the drawings herein a description of the operation of theglove 100 is as follows. In use, ensuing donning of the glove 100 foruse in a particular task, a user will grasp the gripping member 70 andbegin to move the cuff section 50 towards the palm of the user's hand.As the gripping member 70 is pulled the release member 60 stretches soas to provide release of the cuff section 50 from the user'swrist/forearm area. The width of the release member 60 is greaterproximate edge 62 so as to promote improved initial release of the cuffsection 50. As the user continues removing the glove 100, the elasticityof the release member 60 facilitates improved removal of the glove 100.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have beendescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitableembodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description mayomit certain information known to those skilled in the art. Thepreceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limitedto the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it isintended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, ascan be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A glove comprising: a body, said body furtherincluding a palm portion and a plurality of digit members, said bodybeing substantially hollow, said palm portion and said plurality ofdigit members being operable to receive the palm and fingers of a humanhand; a cuff section, said cuff section being integrally formed withsaid palm portion opposite said plurality of digit members, said cuffsection operable to extend upward along a wrist of a user; and a releasemember, said release member being formed in said cuff section, saidrelease member being manufactured from a material that has a greaterelasticity that said cuff section, said release member operable tofacilitate removal of the glove from a user.
 2. The glove as recited inclaim 1, and further including a grip member, said grip member beingintegrally formed with said cuff section, said grip member being locatedopposite said release member on said cuff section.
 3. The glove asrecited in claim 2, wherein said release member greater in width distalto said palm portion and narrower in width proximate to said palmportion.
 4. The glove as recited in claim 3, wherein plurality of digitmembers further includes digit pads, said digit pads being greater inthickness than said palm portion.
 5. The glove as recited in claim 4,and further including a plurality of seams, said plurality of seamsbeing intermediate said digit pads.
 6. The glove as recited in claim 5,wherein the glove is manufactured from a chemical resistant material. 7.The glove as recited in claim 6, wherein said grip member is square inshape.
 8. A form-fitting glove operable to protect a human handcomprising: a body, said body having an outer wall forming a cavity ofsufficient size to receive a human hand, said body further including apalm portion said palm portion operable to be adjacent a palm of a handsubsequent a hand being inserted into said cavity, said body furtherincluding a plurality of digit members, said plurality of digit memberbeing integrally formed with said palm portion, said digit members beingoperable to receive a human finger therein, a cuff section, said cuffsection being integrally formed with said palm portion opposite saiddigit members, said cuff section of sufficient length to be adjacent atleast a portion of a user's forearm subsequent the form-fitting glovebeing donned by a user, said cuff section having an outer edge; and arelease member, said release member being integrally formed with saidcuff section, said release member having a first end and a second end,said first end of said release member being proximate said outer edge ofsaid cuff section, said second end of said release member beingproximate said palm portion, said release member being made of amaterial having a greater elasticity that the material of said body,said release member having a width greater proximate said first end thanat said second end.
 9. The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 8,wherein said release member is v-shaped.
 10. The form-fitting glove asrecited in claim 9, and further including a grip member, said gripmember being formed with said cuff section opposite said release member,said grip member providing an interface to grasp said cuff section ofthe form-fitting glove for removal thereof.
 11. The form-fitting gloveas recited in claim 10, wherein said grip member is square in shape. 12.The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 11, wherein plurality ofdigit members further includes digit pads, said digit pads being greaterin thickness than said palm portion.
 13. The form-fitting glove asrecited in claim 12, and further including a plurality of seams, saidplurality of seams being intermediate said digit pads.
 14. Theform-fitting glove as recited in claim 13, wherein the form-fittingglove is manufactured from a chemical resistant material.
 15. Aform-fitting glove operable to protect a user's hand from harshmaterials wherein the glove is operable to facilitate easy removalthereof comprising: a body, said body having an outer wall forming acavity of sufficient size to receive a human hand, said body furtherincluding a palm portion said palm portion operable to be adjacent apalm of a hand subsequent a hand being inserted into said cavity, saidbody further including a plurality of digit members, said plurality ofdigit member being integrally formed with said palm portion, said digitmembers being operable to receive a human finger therein, a cuffsection, said cuff section being integrally formed with said palmportion opposite said digit members, said cuff section having an upperside and a lower side, said cuff section of sufficient length to beadjacent at least a portion of a user's forearm subsequent theform-fitting glove being donned by a user, said cuff section having anouter edge; and a release member, said release member being integrallyformed with said lower side of said cuff section, said release memberhaving a first end and a second end, said first end of said releasemember being proximate said outer edge of said cuff section, said secondend of said release member being proximate said palm portion, saidrelease member being made of a material having a greater elasticity thatthe material of said body, said release member being v-shaped whereinthe wider portion is proximate said outer edge of said cuff section. 16.The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 15, and further including agripping member, said gripping member being formed with said upper sideof said cuff section opposite said release member, said gripping memberproviding an interface to grasp said cuff section of the form-fittingglove for removal thereof.
 17. The form-fitting glove as recited inclaim 16, wherein said gripping member is square in shape.
 18. Theform-fitting glove as recited in claim 17, wherein plurality of digitmembers further includes digit pads, said digit pads operable to provideenhanced protection to portions of a finger disposed with said pluralityof digit members, said digit pads being greater in thickness than saidpalm portion.
 19. The form-fitting glove as recited in claim 18, andfurther including a plurality of seams, said plurality of seams beingintermediate said digit pads.
 20. The form-fitting glove as recited inclaim 19, wherein the form-fitting glove is manufactured from a chemicalresistant material.